Bertram33 User Forum

Is ethanol an issue in a gasoline powered 1986 33' SF that has the original fuel tank?

Normally I would say no, but a new owner is having issues with his 89.

I have read conflicting stories about it. Some people say that Bertram changed the fuel tanks in the mid 1980's and that the newer tanks are impervious to the ethanol.

Go to BOAT US's website (BOATUS.com) they have done extensive research on this topic.

I still think that the problems with ethanol only happens when you mix it with regular gas or if you add it to a tank that already has issues.

This is a subject that we've talked about a bunch with no real answers. The fact is, it's a chemistry issue. Every tank will be slightly different from another just as some boats will blister and others won't. Sooner or later everything will degrade and fail, it's just a matter of when. Will E 10 make it worse? Sure. How much? Depends on too many variables. It could be 20 years, could be tomorrow. No telling. What you have to keep in mind is, everything is always trying to return to it's natural state. Steel will become iron ore eventually,aluminum will turn to oxides and fiberglass will turn to some kind of toxic dust. It just depends what we expose it to which will determine the pace. Ethanol isn't the best thing for much of anything, least of all chemical resins.

very philosophical answer there Frank

BTW, I find BOATUS to be the least informative source on the subject. They've done no real trial and error. This website has by far the best info I've seen.

Just to make matters worse, there has been some talk to make cars compatible with E15. With all of the emission regs being put on the auto manufacturers, I am sure this will eventually make it to the marinas. This certainly cannot be good for the fiberglass gas tanks. Scott 1987 B33 SF Dealer's Choice V Edisto Beach, SC

My year 2000 engines aren't rated for anything above E10 ! Rick Ticket 85 SF Merc 454 MPI's Falmouth, MA

Wondering what my '86 merc 454's are rated for? Been running ethanol for 4+ years now, original tank. My first load of E-10 was 300 gal out of 315 tank. Then long run Boston to Falmouth I don't top off in winter, leave it where it is at end of season. Use plenty of Startron & tape vent closed after engines winterized. Keeping my fingers crossed.

That is great Gerard. I think the fact that you did not mix the fuels is key. 4 years is a pretty good test.

Hyperbolae on my part but I imagine that the quality of the gas may have an affect on both performance and longevity of the tank, as well. In the discussions on this forum, the variances in performance make me think that there are other factors involved, ethanol exasperating them. Similar to what Franks says, there is no quantitative evidence, as to the affect of E10 - instinctively, however, we all know it is causing problems. Heinz J. Dommert 1986 SF Bright Raven, Summit North Marina DE

Ethanol related articles http://www.boatus.com/searchAGresults.a ... hanol#1193

I'm a firm believer that Ethanol sucks in everything. I read yesterday the EPA approved E15 for cars 2008 and up. I've been lucky that we can still get the 90 oct non ethanol fuel. In the Bahamas, I use an additive. They don't know what they're pumping. And I make sure to burn all the fuel out when I come home. So far, so good. Gene Dugan Boca Raton, Fl. "Nauti Marie" 1989 33 FBC 2007 8.1 Crusaders